Driving transformation and impact at Traka

Global growth

While overseeing the US, Canada and Latin America as President of Traka Americas, Garrido noted that his role as Head of Global Business Systems for the Key and Asset Management group also enables him to contribute to the growth of the company from a global perspective.

Playing a role in the management of Traka’s Global business systems, this experience integrating and collaborating across global businesses has allowed Garrido to help scale the company as the global leader in key and asset management, but this requires his considered leadership of diverse teams across cultures and time zones.

“I think being a good leader is shaped by what your objectives and goals are, and ultimately what you’re trying to achieve,” Garrido said. “But I’ve always tried to keep things relatively fundamental, regardless of what I’m doing. To me, articulating a clear and transparent focus has always been at the top of the priority list for leadership.”

He revealed that at Traka, the aim is to inspire through actions, not through words. Garrido prefers to show the rest of his organization his intent and purpose by making decisions that benefit individuals, the rest of their teams and the entire business.

“My personal philosophy is that without the people, you don’t get the output that the organization needs,” he said. “I always try and empower my teams, living by the rule of giving my direct reports the power to make decisions themselves. This autonomy helps them to explore new opportunities and avenues for success.”

Garrido explained that by setting out a clear vision initially, it’s possible for the rest of an organization to understand end goals and course correct along the way independently. He added that leadership isn’t about authority, but influence.

“It’s about collaboration, bringing out the best in others to achieve a common goal. There’s a saying I’ve always tried to utilize when I could, which says that leadership is not about being in charge. It’s about taking care of those within your charge.”

By putting people first, Garrido highlighted that this lays the foundation for success to follow.